Steelers' Chris Godwin Trade Idea Runs Into Huge Financial Problem

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for help at the wide receiver position. The injury to Michael Pittman Jr. has landed him on Injured Reserve, and it seems like he could be out for a while. Roman Wilson is also on Injured Reserve, as he suffered an injury during Pittsburgh's Week 5 contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard has had back-to-back impressive performances, including a game-winning touchdown in overtime during Week 6 against Tampa Bay. Even so, Pittsburgh is extremely thin at wide receiver and plenty of names have been tossed around as potential options for the team. 

One of the most established names mentioned as a potential target for the Steelers is veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin. Godwin was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has spent his entire career in Tampa Bay and has been a consistent target for whoever the team has had under center. He helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2020, further cementing himself as a reliable target. Since the 2021 season, Godwin has suffered several major injuries, including a grade 3 ACL tear, severe left ankle dislocation, and Grade 2 MCL sprain. At age 30, it seems like Godwin is nearing the back end of his career. He is a top candidate to be traded before the deadline, as the Buccaneers sit fourth in the NFC South and do not appear likely to contend this season. 

Godwin has been a very consistent player in the NFL. He has racked up 635 receptions for 7,842 yards and 41 touchdowns throughout his 10-year NFL career. Godwin's production, though, has been limited over the last three seasons, largely because of injuries. He has only totaled 106 receptions for 1,152 yards and 7 touchdowns over the last three seasons. 

Another major issue with Godwin is his expensive contract. Not only would a team have to give up resources to trade for Godwin, it would also have to take on his lucrative contract. Before the 2025 season, Godwin signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension. If he is traded, his new team would likely have to take on his contract, which may not offer good value at this point in his career.

During a recent episode of Kaboly + Mack Live, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly discussed the possibility of Pittsburgh trading for Godwin and what the move would mean for the team.

"Godwin is ridiculous in my mind," Kaboly stated. "I think he is guaranteed over $20 million next year. It would make more sense if they did not go out and get Michael Pittman Jr. You still have to pay [Godwin]. The money just does not line up with him."

Kaboly makes a good point, as Pittsburgh is already paying wide receiver DK Metcalf $25 million in 2026, along with $24 million for Pittman Jr., who might not be able to contribute again this season.

Godwin would provide a veteran presence in the Steelers' wide receiver room and could serve as a consistent underneath target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a role initially intended for Pittman Jr. However, acquiring Godwin would be an expensive venture. 

Steelers' Potential Move For A Wide Receiver Could Depend On Roman Wilson's Status

While it seems very likely that Pittsburgh will make a substantial move for a wide receiver in the coming weeks, Wilson's status could be the factor that determines this situation. If Wilson is able to return immediately after his Injured Reserve stint, Pittsburgh might choose to roll with Metcalf and Bernard, along with the talented tight end duo of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington until he returns. While this group appears talented enough to fill the void left by Pittman Jr. and Wilson, not adding another significant pass catcher is a gamble, as an injury to any of these players could set the team back significantly. 

It will be interesting to see what decision the Steelers make as the trade deadline approaches. 

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